4th and 6th Mayor of Los Angeles. He served from 1854-1855, and again later in 1856. From January 1, 1848, until California attained statehood in 1850, he served as "alcalde" of Los Angeles. Because of this, Foster has often been referred to as the first American mayor of L.A. His first elected office under statehood, was as a member of the City Council. (bio by: Scott G)